Indiana Governor Mike Braun has directed his administration to reimburse local governments for gas tax revenues not collected during the state’s ongoing energy emergency. This move ensures local units do not lose funding as a result of the temporary fuel tax suspension.
Reimbursement Process
State officials said the reimbursement process will be coordinated through the Office of Management and Budget, the State Budget Agency, and the Department of Revenue. Secretary Lisa Hershman and the Office of Management and Budget will work with state agencies to calculate the amount needed to replace gas tax revenues that would have otherwise been distributed to local governments.
State Budget Director Chad Ranney is expected to present a request to transfer money from the State Highway Fund covering April and May revenues during the July 21 meeting of the State Board of Finance. If approved, the Indiana Comptroller’s Office expects to distribute the funds to local governments within five to seven business days.
Governor Braun said the reimbursement plan is possible because of the state’s financial position. “This is only possible because Hoosiers demand commonsense fiscal management, and we’ve delivered,” Braun said. “We are running government more efficiently and as a result, we have the resources to offer tax relief while supporting local partners.”
Indiana Comptroller Elise Nieshalla said her office is prepared to process the payments promptly once the transfers receive approval. “The Comptroller’s Office is committed to serving as a trusted partner to Indiana’s local governments by ensuring these distributions are processed accurately and without delay,” Nieshalla said.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
